Holiday Aperol Spritz
As New Year’s Eve approaches, it’s time to dress up a classic cocktail for a night that calls for sparkle. Enter the New Year’s holiday Aperol Spritz, a bright, bubbly twist on the original, finished with a splash of cranberry juice for a celebratory pop of color and flavor. It’s light, refreshing,not overly complicated, and perfectly suited for midnight toasts.
Aperol
Before we pour, a little background on the star ingredient. Aperol is an Italian aperitivo known for its vivid orange hue and pleasantly bittersweet flavor, created in 1919 by the Barbieri brothers in Padua. Made from a closely guarded blend of herbs and botanicals, it has become a staple of aperitivo hour and a favorite in cocktails around the world.
The Aperol Spritz itself originated in Italy’s Veneto region, where Aperol was paired with prosecco and soda to create an easy-drinking, effervescent cocktail. For New Year’s Eve, cranberry juice adds a subtle tartness that balances Aperol’s citrus notes while giving the drink a ruby glow that feels right at home among champagne flutes and confetti.
Garnish with a twist of orange, a few fresh cranberries, or even a sprig of rosemary for a simple but elegant finish. However you serve it, this holiday Aperol Spritz is made for counting down the final seconds of the year. So as the clock strikes midnight, raise a glass and toast to fresh starts, good company, good health, and a year ahead that’s worth celebrating—one sparkling sip at a time. Cheers to a happy 2026!
Holiday Aperol Spritz
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces Aperol
- 3 ounces Prosecco
- 1 ounce cranberry juice
- 1 ounce of club soda
- 1/2 orange slice
- 1 sprig of rosemary, for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- In a large wine glass add a good amount of ice and set aside.
- Add the the Aperol, Prosecco and cranberry juice. Top with the club soda. Add in an orange wedge and garnish with a rosemary sprig.
